With its iconic lake and island, Bled charms everyone who visits this beautiful part of Slovenia in the embrace of the peaks of the Julian Alps. A ride on Lake Bled in a traditional pletna boat is definitely on the list of top things to do in this Slovenian Alpine pearl.
In addition to the pletna, you will also see rowing boats on the lake. Bled is the centre of Slovenian rowing with more than a 100 years of tradition. Many successful Slovenian rowers have started their rowing career here and later went on to winning medals at the highest level of competition, including the Olympic Games. And the best rowers in Europe and the world have also come to Slovenia many times.
Bled has hosted the World Championships four times and the World Rowing Cup regattas twice. It has been the venue for high-level junior and veteran competitions. In 2017, for example, it hosted the World Rowing Masters Regatta for the third time, with almost 5,000 competitors from all over the world! The first major international competition was the European Championships in 1956. And after almost seven decades, the European Championships are returning to Bled once again. Save the date from 25 to 28 May 2023 and watch the battles for the titles at the European Rowing Championships.
Watch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
Play interactive videoWatch the interactive video and get to know some of the most interesting facts and green stories that reveal the sustainable path of Slovenia.
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We all have our favourites at the European Championships. Based on past European Championships, around 50,000 TV viewers are expected to watch the competitions, mainly from Germany and the UK.
Slovenia will have four crews or five representatives: Nina Kostanjšek and Filip-Matej Pfeifer in single sculls, Rajko Hrvat in lightweight single sculls, and Nik Krebs and Jaka Čas in double sculls.
Nina Kostanjšek
women’s single sculls
Filip-Matej Pfeifer
men’s single sculls
Rajko Hrvat
men’s lightweight single sculls
Nik Krebs, Jaka Čas
men’s double sculls
Bled is one of Slovenia’s greatest attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world with its iconic sights of Lake Bled with its island and castle on top of a cliff. This Alpine pearl is flanked by the mighty peaks of the Julian Alps on one side and the Karavanke Mountains on the other. Its soothing climate also captivated the Swiss healer Arnold Rikli, who is considered the pioneer of tourism in Bled. Today, there is something for everyone here – plenty of active experiences in the town and its surroundings, gourmet delights in selected restaurants, and relaxing moments in wellness centres, which use the water from the lake’s thermal springs.
Did you know that Lake Bled is the right length for a rowing race? Between the centre and Zaka, it is a good 2 km long. It is also considered one of the most fair and beautiful rowing venues. The modern rowing centre is suitable for major rowing and other water sports competitions and is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for rowers getting ready for the next season. It is also the main part of the Bled-Radovljica Olympic Sports Centre, which offers top conditions for water sports; in addition to rowing, it is also a venue for long-distance swimming and for calm water kayaking and canoeing.
Bled’s natural and cultural assets also dictate the care and responsibility to preserve these gems. Bled is committed to sustainable development, as evidenced by the Slovenia Green Destination Gold label. And it is in this spirit that Bled is going “Green” in the organisation of the European Rowing Championships. Here are some of the commitments that support the sustainability of the competition.
Use of electric vehicles for transport to the competition venue
Restriction of traffic and parking in the immediate vicinity of the lake
Encouraging the use of bicycles, including rental, and arriving at the venue on foot
1/3 of all accompanying safety boats are electric
Involvement of local suppliers and the local community in the staging of the Championships.
If you have decided to support Europe’s best rowers in person, here is some useful information on how to get to Slovenia, where to stay, where to eat, etc.
10 best reasons to visit Slovenia in 2023.
You can get to Slovenia in different ways – by car or train, by air, bicycle or boat.
From luxury hotels to tourist farms, from private rooms to camping grounds. An exclusive offer of glamping accommodation or staying at the vineyard cottages. In Slovenia, you will find accommodation to suit every budget and every taste.
Everything you need to know for a green and responsible visit to Slovenia.
Information for a relaxed and hassle-free stay during the holidays.
Slovenia: a land of hospitable people and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Europe.
In its small corner of the world, Slovenia is the only European country lying at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain.
Home-made or cosmopolitan: choose your ambience and menu in Slovenia.
No good competition is complete without the support of true fans. And we know how to create a good fan atmosphere in Slovenia. Get your cheering props ready, warm up your vocal cords, and join us in cheering on the competitors on Lake Bled. You can also experience a part of the fan atmosphere in the rowing-themed Špica bar and restaurant in the centre of Bled.
Bled’s location offers excellent starting points for a variety of sporting activities. Especially on warmer days, you will be drawn to activities on and by the water, perhaps get some adrenaline pumping or enjoy a relaxing round of golf. Bled is also a good starting point for hiking tours.
Find refreshment in the summer in the organised baths along Lake Bled, with Grajsko kopališče (“Castle Bathing Area”) standing out. Rent a boat from several spots around the lake and row on the lake. Go rafting or kayaking on the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka rivers. Lake Bled and the surrounding rivers are also an ideal destination for fishing. In the winter, when the lake freezes over, you can ice-skate or walk up to the island.
MoreFind refreshment in the summer in the organised baths along Lake Bled, with Grajsko kopališče (“Castle Bathing Area”) standing out. Rent a boat from several spots around the lake and row on the lake. Go rafting or kayaking on the Sava Dolinka and Sava Bohinjka rivers. Lake Bled and the surrounding rivers are also an ideal destination for fishing. In the winter, when the lake freezes over, you can ice-skate or walk up to the island.
MoreA round of golf on the largest golf course in Slovenia is an experience you will remember for years to come. The golf course, with a tradition dating back to the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia, has 18 holes and, best of all, the stunning scenery of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke Mountains. In addition to the larger King’s Course, there is also the newer 9-hole Lake Course.
MoreBled is an excellent starting point for both short hikes and mountaineering tours. From the nearby Pokljuka plateau, you can hike to the Triglav Mountain Range and Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak. Starting from Bled, you can also explore the nearby Karavanke Mountains and their highest peak Stol, which is part of the distinctive townscape of Bled. For a shorter hike, you can head to the hills around the lake and enjoy the amazing panoramic views. You can also go on a pleasant two-hour walk through Vintgar Gorge.
Adrenaline seekers will find just the perfect spot at the Straža viewpoint. Test your skills in the adventure park, which offers fun activities for the whole family. The park has 5 different courses and 81 climbing elements. For the icing on the cake, you can go tobogganing down the hill on a 520-metre-long tobogganing track overlooking the lake and Bled Castle.
How about a slightly different nature trip? The way that birds experience it? Join the adventure called the Dolinka Zip Line, where you can fly over the Sava River on seven zip lines over a length of 4 kilometres. You can enjoy spectacular views of the river and the Brje protected area, as well as the mighty surrounding peaks. An experience that will keep your young ones off their phones.
Although Bled is a magnet for visitors in its own right, it is worth exploring its surroundings, near and far. Discover the nearby towns, home to many top rowers, including the most successful, Olympic medallists Iztok Čop and Luka Špik. Both the capital Ljubljana and the Kranjska Gora alpine resort are close by – both destinations are just half an hour away.
Slovenia is rich in natural water resources. That is why you have a thousand and one reasons to go on water adventures. Relax on calm waters or get your adrenaline pumping on river rapids.
Slovenian waters are amazing and perfect for active experiences. The crystal clear waters will make you want to enjoy all kinds of experiences. Rivers, lakes and the sea are perfect for rowing, swimming, fishing and other adventures that will thrill and refresh you.
MoreSlovenian waters are amazing and perfect for active experiences. The crystal clear waters will make you want to enjoy all kinds of experiences. Rivers, lakes and the sea are perfect for rowing, swimming, fishing and other adventures that will thrill and refresh you.
MoreWild river rapids are the perfect testing ground for all adrenaline seekers. Rafting, kayaking, canoeing or something more daring – try out refreshing fun that will get your blood pumping. Explore narrow gorges in a wetsuit and discover the magic of canyoning by going down a waterfall.
MoreWhen the air warms up and it is time to freshen up, stop by Slovenian lakes, rivers and the sea. Everywhere you go you will find natural bathing sights and other places where you can dive into the water. In the cities, visit well-equipped bathing areas where you won't get bored. Whenever you want to go for a swim, you can always visit a spa.
MoreThe sea provides countless opportunities for water activities. Catch the wind in your sails, ride the surf between the waves, dive into the depths and discover their mysterious world, paddle on the sea surface or simply swim in the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
MoreCatch the real balance on stand-up paddleboards and enjoy the gliding across the water. On the lake, sea or river. In nature or in the city. If you don't have a paddleboard with you, you can rent one at many waterside locations.
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When you are in Slovenia, it will be difficult to find an excuse not to be active. There are so many opportunities for active holidays that you simply will not be able to stay still. You will also be encouraged by the beautiful scenery and the sporting enthusiasm of Slovenians, which can be felt in both recreational and competitive sports.
Alpine Slovenia, at the heart of the mountains, along lakes and rivers. Visit Triglav National Park, Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley.
Experience the active Slovenia and get to know its sporting heart.
Get ready to cheer on your favourites and come to the idyllic environment of Slovenia’s sports venues.
Discover the freshness and purity of Slovenia’s waters.
Plan your holidays in green.
Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.
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